"The U.S. Department of Education said the rollout of its much-anticipated overhaul of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, has run into some problems.

'Leading up to and during the soft launch, we uncovered some minor issues affecting users at various points in the application process, which is to be expected with the launch of a major new website,' the department said in a statement Sunday. 'We are addressing these issues concurrently and will continue to monitor for additional issues users may encounter while we conduct the soft launch.'

The Department of Education advised students and families that they will have “ample time” to complete their forms, as institutions are not expected to receive student information for processing aid packages until later this month. Students do not need to rush to complete their form during the soft launch period, the agency said.

Virginia officials have previously expressed concern that any delays in the FAFSA rollout would particularly impact first-generation and low-income students, as well as financial aid offices charged with processing applications and creating aid packages.

Bob Spieldenner, a spokesman for the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, the coordinating body for the state’s colleges and universities, said the council is monitoring the rollout of the new form and is urging applicants to be patient but persistent in completing it," reports Virginia Mercury.

Photo: (Getty Images) Virginia Mercury.